Somerset County Cricket Club have confirmed that Michael Burns will skipper the side next season and that West Indian fast bowler Nixon McLean has signed as their second overseas player for 2003.

With regard to the appointment of the former Warwickshire all rounder to the captaincy Peter Anderson the Somerset chief executive told me: "I think the club accepted that probably we didn't get it right in 2002 and swapping between Jamie Cox, Marcus Trescothick and Mike Burns was unsuccessful."

The Somerset boss continued: "Of course we tried to help Marcus to get captaincy experience because he wants to be the captain of England, which probably wasn't in the club's interest, but every cloud has a silver lining and Mike Burns pushed himself to the front when he had his chance. He is now a solid journeyman professional who knows the game inside out and has now been given his opportunity."

Regarding the signing of Nixon McLean, who had two seasons with Hampshire in the late 1990's Mr Anderson told me: "In the light of our injury stricken season with fast bowlers the club decided that we had to sign a fast bowler as our second overseas player. Nixon McLean had an outstanding season for Natal in 2002 and good judges of players in South Africa tell us that he is now at the top of his game and he is a formidable strike bowler."

The chief continued: "When we first contacted him he said that he was excited at the prospect of filling Joel Garner's size fifteen boots, even though he only takes size twelve, and asked us me to tell Andy Caddick that he (Nixon) would be bowling with the wind next season!"

Mr Anderson expanded on the situation regarding Andy Caddick's new England contract and looking forward to next season told me: "With Andrew getting a twelve month contract, and following an arduous winter tour to Australia and the 2003 World Cup in South Africa it may well be that he will be available for a large part of the season as England ring the changes."

He concluded: "An attack containing Caddick, McLean and Richard Johnson would be formidable and would strike the hearts of any opening batsman on the circuit."

© SOMERSET